Serenity's Song

by Lynn Landes

  His hand sinks into her wavy blonde hair and pulls her up taking her mouth in a hard, hungry kiss. Serenity moves her body against his, drowning in the sensations that he creates. All rational thought flees as Michael jerks her shirt open, sending buttons flying. Quickly shedding himself of his clothing he looks and sees Serenity standing naked before him.

  “Sweet heaven, Serenity! I knew you’d be beautiful…” she smiles as he advances on her and squeals in alarm when he sweeps her into his arms. He rains her with feverish kisses and carries her deep into the hot spring. “First I will heal you, then you are mine,”

  Serenity moans, as the hot water sinks into her bones, healing her bruises and cuts. “Lay back, let the spring heal you,” he commands and growls in his throat when she allows him to support her in the water. The first gift she gives him is her trust, she leans back stretching her arms over her head, and her hair floats around her like a golden halo. Long slender limbs and full breasts, fire his desire, making him want to take her, but he is humbled by her offering. Slowly he sinks her beneath the water rinsing away all pain, leaving in its wake only maddening desire.

  The bubbles erupt against her body driving all rational thought from her mind. Michael releases her and she stands waist high in the water. He disappears from sight, swimming through the pool to a deeper section, sighing in relief as the pain eases and disappears altogether. When he rises from the water he is alone. Panic threatens for a second until he feels her touch him beneath the water. She bursts from the depths smiling and he grabs her pressing her wet body against his chest.

  “Michael, I need you,” Serenity says as she sinks her hand beneath the water stroking him, causing his breath to hiss out. The wet heat of his mouth caresses a sensitive spot at the curve of her neck as her free hand sinks into his damp black hair, urging him on. He nips at her neck as she strokes his heat, causing unbearable need to roll through both. His mouth explores her skin driving her mad as he circles her nipple with a hot tongue, finally drawing the tip into the hot cavern of his mouth. He captures her scream with his mouth, when he drops low into the water and she spreads her legs welcoming him into the hot depths of her body. Frantic intensity takes over as they ride out the first wave of passion. With her legs clamped around him he starts to walk from the spring,

  Serenity’s breath is coming out in gasps, as she digs her fingernails into his back. Clutching him tightly every movement sending spears of pleasure around them. A pulse of energy flies from Michaels hand and a bed appears, followed by candles of multiple shapes and sizes. Amazed, Serenity stares into his eyes.

  “Now, I want all of you,” he growls. She tries to push away but he drops her backwards on the bed and begins to stroke in and out of her body. Her eyes fly open, filled with pleasure and relief. A moan rips from his throat as he grabs her waist and strokes her slowly.

  “Michael! Help me,” she whimpers thrusting her hips up to meet the rhythm he sets. Michael pulls out, grinning at her cry of protest.

  “I will help you, Serenity. I will savor you all night,” he whispers eyes never leaving hers, he bends down, bringing their faces so close that they share the same air. He crushes his lips to hers, his tongue hot, wet, and silky, spears and retreats setting a rhythm that floods Serenity with desire. Rising up above her, she sees a possessive gleam in his eyes that humbles her. When his mouth begins its glorious torment down her body, Serenity begins to claw at him. Michael chuckles, pinning her hands to her side and strokes her body with his beard. She feels the pressure building, at the first swipe of his hot tongue her body bucks and her eyes flash purple as she screams his name.

  The taste of her drives all sane thought from his mind. Releasing her hands he grabs her hips and Serenity bucks up to meet the fevered pitch of his lovemaking. “Michael!” she screams lifting her hips to take him deeper inside. When he feels the spasms of her orgasm, he buries his face in her shoulder finding his own glorious release.

  Later, as Michael is rinsing off in the spring, Serenity stretches and smiles at the soreness of her body. He turns around fully expecting her to be asleep, but she watches him with her beautiful eyes. The scent of their lovemaking clings to her body, and she finds she is in no hurry to wash it away. The passion between them is wild and watching him she knows she will have him again. Rising out of the bed she moves to join him in the water.

  “It’s your turn to scream, Michael,” she says enjoying the way he lifts an eyebrow at the challenge in her tone. The water ripples against his waist as she walks toward him.

  “Really, do you think you should…” he stops speaking when she presses her wet body against his. One hand slides up his chest and she smiles.

  “Yes, I can’t seem to get enough of you, Michael,” she whispers. In her voice he hears the promise of more. Later holding her tightly against his body he smiles as he thinks about how many times she made him scream her name. He sighs, for he knows in the morning they will have to leave this behind them, but for now she is his. They will steal what time they can and treasure each second.

  Chapter 13

  Michael carries two cups of coffee into the bedroom and smiles at the sound of her singing in the shower. He could get used to the sound of her voice in his life.

  “I smell coffee, Michael. Please be coffee,” she says walking in to the small bedroom wrapped in a towel. Her hair is slicked back and she is smiling at him like he brought her diamonds.

  “Don’t tell me the key to your heart is coffee?” he says walking towards her.

  She takes the cup and inhales the scent. “Mmmm, smells so good.” Sipping the hot liquid she enjoys the burst of flavor and looks at him. “Thank you. If you cook as well as you do other things, my heart may be in trouble.”

  “I will remember you said that.” Seizing the opportunity he grabs a handful of the towel she is wearing and tugs her close. When his mouth claims hers Serenity relishes the taste of coffee and Michael. “Good morning, beautiful,” he whispers against her mouth.

  “Hi handsome,” she sighs. He releases her and holds up a bag of clothes.

  “What’s this?” she wonders as she accepts the bag.

  “Clothes for our trip to the Well of Souls,” he informs her.

  Serenity looks inside the bag and is once again amazed at the thoughtfulness of the man in front of her. “Thank you for thinking of my needs, Michael.”

  “Of course, but I need a promise from you, Serenity.” He says sitting on the bed. Serenity listens as she digs through the bag. Jeans, sock, black lace panties and bra, a sweater, he thought of everything. She listens as he talks, lifting the lace from the bag.

  “You will not go off alone again, Serenity,” his eyes darken and his mouth begins to water as she drops the towel. “Being a guardian does not mean you are invincible,” he continues staring at her and his heart accelerates when she wiggles into the black lace panties. She pulls on the matching black lace bra, stepping close to him, and his hands begin to sweat.

  “You’re right, Michael. We are better together, stronger right?” she asks nudging his knees apart. Her hands begin roaming and his mind goes blank.

  “Serenity, I’m serious,” he groans as she buries her hands in his hair. Cupping her bottom he squeezes as she straddles him and takes his mouth again.

  “Okay, Michael. I am not invincible,” she responds between kisses. Her heart soars when he stands and flips her onto her back climbing onto the bed above her.

  “Promise me, Serenity!” he demands. “Promise me, that you will not leave me again. We will figure this out together.”

  “I promise, Michael.” Relief fills his heart at her whispered words. He tugs on her nipple through the lace with his teeth, grinning when her hands tighten in his hair.

  “You are such a tease, we both know we are out of time,” she groans when his knee pushes between her thighs and applies gentle pressure. Slowly he grinds his knee against her heat.

  “Really? Where there’s a will there’s a way, and I
am willing.”

  “How fast can you be, because your son is going to be here any second?” His shock shows on his face, and he quickly lets her up off the bed. She laughs and runs into the bathroom snagging the bag.

  A few seconds later, Michael hears Sincere call out, “Dad, where’s Renity?”

  “Sincere, what are you doing here? I told you to stay home,” he says fiercely when he walks into the living room.

  “Daddy, Renity needs me. The bad one is coming again, but she’s bringing friends,” he says with tears in his little eyes.

  Michael squats down and picks his son up. “Tell me what you know, son. I will listen.”

  Serenity walks in and listens but the moment he speaks, she is struck to her knees with a vision.

  Ayva is laughing as she attacks Nick. Noel jumps in front of Nick just as Ayva throws a dagger at him. “They are going to attack your father, Michael! Your mother will try to protect him but she will be hurt! You must go to them!”

  “Dad you have to help us.” Michael looks into the eyes of his son and his heart breaks.

  “Serenity?” he calls out.

  “Go Michael, I will wait here for you,” she promises.

  “Now, Daddy! She’s coming!” Sincere cries out.

  In a flash they are gone, and Serenity is afraid. Hurrying through the cabin she searches for her boots, then pulls them on and grabs her coat. Inside her coat pocket is the map Nick gave her. She stretches it out on the small table and smiles when it begins to glow.

  Lismore, Ireland.

  Take the walk.

  “That’s just perfect, vague as usual. How am I supposed to get there?” she asks the map, then laughs. “I’m talking to a map.” A cold breeze begins to blow and Serenity’s smile fades. Levitating off the table the map rises and begins to stretch. Illuminated from within, the map has become a doorway! Serenity pulls on her coat and tries to still her beating heart.

  “I’m sorry, Michael, but I have a job to do. Lismore, Ireland here I come.” The moment she steps through the doorway, Serenity can feel the air zipping past her. Encircled by a radiant light, she is forced to close her eyes. The air begins to slow and the light begins to dim. Beneath her feet, she is relieved to feel solid earth and she opens her eyes.

  As though pulled by an invisible thread, she moves towards the door and steps into Ireland. The castle looms in the distance, surrounded by lush green vegetation. To her left a bridge leads into town with a river running beneath it. The map drops to the earth, small once more. Serenity hurries to pick it up before someone sees and stashes it in her pocket. A quick scan of her surroundings assures her that she is alone. A grey mist covers the land, whispering a promise of soft rain. Any other time, Serenity would have loved to explore the gray stone castle and town, but she has work to do.

  “Take the walk,” she whispers to herself. An older couple hurries buy and the older woman smiles at Serenity.

  “Hurry dear, or you will miss the tour. The walk begins in ten minutes.” She offers.

  “The tour?”

  “Yes, the tour of Lismore and the chapel,” the woman’s husband explains.

  “I was told to take the walk. Is that what they meant?” Serenity asks following them along the road.

  “Yes, we have been here a few times for our anniversary. The town was built by St. Carlisle. They produced many works of art such as the Book of the Kells. The tour is a walking tour of the town and some of the churches. It begins at the entrance to the town, just over there,” she points to a large gray rock chiseled with the words, Welcome to Lismore.

  The stone stands at the center of the busy town, with a four way intersection. Shops, cafes and a beautiful church with a large metal gate surrounding it. Serenity gasps at the beauty of the cathedral and steeple.

  “It’s lovely isn’t it? We never grow tired of visiting. Its three o’clock, if you hurry you should be able to catch the last tour.” Hand in hand they walk away and join the laughing group of people. The sun is beginning to set, so she hurries to the gate and steps through, walking down a cobblestone walkway and into the church.

  She joins a group standing at the back and listens to the guide, “St. Carlisle’s Parish church was officially opened in 1881. It is seen as one of the finest examples of Lombardo Romanesque churches in Ireland. The bell tower rises to a height of one hundred and twenty feet, above the richly detailed limestone façade. Outside you will see a statue of St. Michael, on a pedestal between the main doors. Above the doorway is a mosaic of Christ the King, with the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet…” The guide’s voice fades as Serenity is drawn to the statue of St. Michael. The group moves further into the church as she steps back outside and looks at the statue.

  “Michael? That’s not possible,” she whispers to herself. The statue bares a remarkable resemblance to Nick and Michael!

  “All things are possible,” a deep voice says beside her. A monk stands beside her in rich brown robes. He smiles in greeting and extends his hand. “I have been waiting for you, Serenity.”

  “I’m sorry, have we met?” Serenity asks as she takes his hand.

  “No, but we must hurry. If you will follow me, I will show you the way to the walk.” He says turning away he hurries down the steps, pulling her along with him. They walk along a gravel walkway towards a sign which reads, St. Carlisle Cemetery. He uses a key to unlock the gate, urging Serenity through. Then he quickly relocks the gate, before resuming a fast pace walk once again.

  “Okay, this is getting creepy. I’m supposed to follow you through a cemetery?” she says planting her feet and effectively stopping him in his tracks. When he turns around his eyes flash purple and Serenity is dumbfounded.

  “I’m sorry, my name is Daniel. I am a guardian.” He turns and begins walking through the stones, careful not to disturb the graves. This time she follows quickly.

  “Wait! I don’t understand, Daniel. How can you be a guardian and where are you taking me?” she asks frustrated.

  “I am taking you to meet my Saint. No more questions until we are safely inside.” At the back of the cemetery, is a small run down stone building which looks like a tool shed. He opens the door and Serenity steps through, praying she is doing the right thing.

  As the door closes, darkness surrounds her and soon she hears the sound of a match being struck. The orange flame, grows larger as Daniel lights an oil lantern. “You are safe, here Serenity. Follow me, please,” he asks and walks to the back of the stone room pushing open a door.

  He leads the way down some stone steps into a large stone hallway and Serenity can hear water running. His steps are quick and sure as he hurries along the corridor until, finally, Serenity can see a light ahead. When he comes to the end of a tunnel, she is surprised to see a lush courtyard surrounded by a green maze.

  “It’s not much farther,” he promises as he leads her further inside the garden maze. They move swiftly through the maze until she is too confused to even think about finding her way out. When he finally stops walking, Serenity bumps into him.

  “I have brought her to you,” he explains in a hushed tone. Daniel steps to the side and Serenity is greeted by a beautiful woman sitting on a wooden bench.

  With upraised hands she smiles and says, “Well done, Daniel!” Serenity is tongue tied by the ethereal beauty of the woman in front of her. Her long red hair blows in the wind as she moves and her emerald green robe swishes.

  “I am Adare, Saint of Ireland. You have met Daniel, my guardian. Welcome Serenity!” she sings and kisses each cheek.

  Serenity stares dumbfounded. “I don’t understand. I thought Nick and Noel…?” Adare sighs deep and looks at Daniel.

  “We haven’t much time, I’m afraid. Ayva will be here sooner than we thought.” Daniel explains.

  “Okay then, we walk, and talk.” Adare loops her arm through Serenity’s and begins to guide her past the bench, “I am not sure what Nick has told you so I will give you the crash course, It
was decided after Ayva attacked, that it was unwise to put all our power into one Saint, and one Guardian. What would happen to the world if they were destroyed?”

  Serenity stumbles along and listens, grateful for some answers, Daniel follows listening quietly as she continues leading them deeper into the maze.

  “Noel prayed and received a gift, granting her the ability to locate each Saint. The Saints were each granted a Guardian to protect them. In the last ten years, three of our Saints have been murdered by their own guardians! Ayva has managed to persuade some of our Guardians to join her. If she succeeds and reaches the fountain, her powers will be impossible to defeat. We will help you to the well, and buy you the time you need to escape. She must not win, Serenity!”

  “Why didn’t Nick tell me this earlier? I don’t understand how or why you believe one human girl will be strong enough to defeat this witch, who has killed so many Saints and Guardians?” she asks desperate to understand.

  “You are more than all of us, Serenity. The Winter Queen only arises when the fate of the world is in danger. You are the Winter Queen! If you choose to walk this path, know that you carry the fate of all the Saints with you. I know what we ask is unbelievable but you will not be alone. We will lend our power to yours, Serenity.”

  “It is time,” Daniel says. He walks towards the lush green wall of the maze and a door opens leading back to the center of town. “Use your map, it will guide your steps. God speed, Serenity. We will slow her down. Hurry!” he urges.